Tag Archive | trials

Secrets of the Heart

Mar5

Put yourself in the place of Peter. Imagine how he felt when he so wanted to give his whole heart, and yet his heart betrayed him with feelings he did not know.

In the best of times and the worst of times, we are made more aware of the truth in our heart . . .

The pressure reveals!

“As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man.” Proverbs 27:19 NKJV

Therefore, tend to your heart, always. Be ready in season and out; for you know not what may come.

Are you ready to give answer for what may be revealed–what is in your heart?

You are the keeper of your soul. *see note below.

Peter was surprised, but I already knew. (Matthew 26:33-35, 69:75)

You see, I don’t reveal to embarrass or shame you, but that you may know–just what it is that needs to go. Don’t wait for Me to show you the truth, as did Peter.

Fill your heart with Truth, to reveal the truth–

What needs to be?

What needs to leave?

Serve Me with your whole heart!

*(Freely attend to your soul as you would a garden, removing the weeds, tending the fruit. Each heart and soul must be tended, as unto Jesus; the “Overseer” of each soul surrendered unto Him.) (I Peter 2:25) *Note added to amplify.

“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27 NKJV

“‘Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream, beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.'” Luke 6:46-49 NKJV

“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:37-39

“Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.” Song of Solomon 2:15 NKJV

Together in Prayer

Apr9

This morning I awakened with a really, really bad headache. I asked the Lord to take it from me and that is all I remember. He must have instantly put me back to sleep, for when I awakened again there was a cool breeze rushing through my head and all of the pain was gone.

And then He spoke this message to me . . .

You’re trying too hard, and this stresses you. We are partners, you and I, a team.

Allow Me to carry you.

I carry your concerns–right to the Throne and I speak them, even as you speak them. I speak of you, even as you speak of Me–to the Father, you are bound to Me.

So I ask you to bear down, but I will push through–together, we will birth what’s stirring in you!

The strain, the headache, come from works.

I ask you to rest, as prayer flows through you.

It is My Strength, you rely on, and My Power in you–together we see this thing through.

Together–I AM in you!

“I do not pray that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrated myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:15-26

♥ Do not hold back from supporting ministries that are preaching the gospel around the world. They serve the Lord and are reaching places you may never see. When you support the preaching of the gospel, you support the Lord’s work and hasten our coming Lord, King Jesus! ♥

Order Today: ‘Comfort in the Challenge’

A book filled with God’s Comforting Messages in times of trouble. All proceeds from sales go directly to Canaanland Ministries of Autaugaville, Alabama. Thank you, for being a BLESSING in helping these men to restore!

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanland.com

Book Order Link: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

Now Then, Are We There Yet?

Dec2

People are often more interested in reaching then, than they are concerned about now.

They want to play now–rather than pray now.

Yet I say, pray now, for the fields are white for harvest.

Pray that I may send you!

If your now is not right, then you are not prepared for then, and you may not reach it when. For I have come for now, but I will come a second time for THEN.

Know Me now, so you will know Me then, and you will be fully prepared for WHEN!

“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.” John 4:35-36

“–The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37

Readers, I am excited to announce the arrival of my first published book–

‘Comfort In The Challenge’

“You don’t have to look far to find someone coping with a challenge. It may be a friend, co-worker, parent or child. Maybe you need only to look within. The list of trials in life is endless–the challenge within. But God knows the need, and He knows the heart of the one you love–He knows YOU!

‘Comfort in the Challenge’ is filled with messages spoken from the heart of God. Inside you will find that God loves you and He cares about you, personally, and what you care about matters to Him. He wants to take that care, in exchange, with His thoughts of Love, Hope, Healing, and Direction. He speaks to the need, He speaks to You, to bring you–‘Comfort In The Challenge’.

© 2019 Lori J. O’Neil

Click to Order: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

All royalties for the life of this book will go directly to the ministry, Canaanland, of Autaugaville, Alabama. Canaanland, takes in men that have lost control of their lives to addiction and crime. Their tremendous (40 year) success rate has often prompted the judges of the surrounding area to offer, Canaanland, as an alternative to jail time. But, Canaanland, is not a bail from jail; it is a golden opportunity for those who truly want a new life! I have met some of these men and they are so full of joy that they absolutely shine–truly transformed by the love of God!

Canaanland charges nothing for a year stay; including room and board for their families as well, if necessary. I find the true dedication of Canaanland, in surrounding these men with love, and the life-changing power of the Word of God, to be unsurpassed. All is made possible through the dedication and hard work of these men, and generous donations of partner support.

It is their vision to have a ‘Canaanland’ in every state and my vision, for this book, to help them realize this goal. Will you join me in helping these men and their families receive a new life? Will you consider purchasing ‘Comfort in the Challenge’ for your friends, loved ones and yourself–for Christmas? I literally just received my books, as I am writing this. They are beautiful and I am over-the-top excited for you to receive yours!

Order Today by visiting: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing.com

Thank you, and God’s Blessing upon you and yours this Christmas and always!

Lori J. O’Neil

Canaanland Ministries Link: https://www.canaanlandministries.com

Info Contact: wordscroll@gmail.com

Fire Burns Within

Dec22

The dimly burning wick shall not be quenched!

I have seen your sorrows and witnessed your sadness, yet you have not turned away; your heart is not cold. You cling to what was, but that is no longer you; you have grown. Trials and hardships have matured you–strengthened what was weak.

Yet, all you see is ash–too weary to speak.

Stir up the coals, for fire burns within; all is not lost–there is forgiveness for your sin.

Stir up the gifts; fan the flame.

Reclaim your life–there’s more to gain. Ask of Me and I’ll give you the nations. Restore prayer–rebuke indignation.

YOU ARE STILL MINE and there is much to do. Stir up the fire–still within you.

Yes time is getting short, but it’s not over yet. Get off your bed of sorrow; it’s time we were moving on. There’s so much more for you to do.

So much more for you!

“–The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”

But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense with my God.”

And now the Lord says, who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength–

he says; “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49 1b-6

 

Scaling The Mountain

Aug27

These times have been hard and I know you have struggled so. It has not been easy to watch you fight with each day, yet you must gain strength and know your weakness.

“I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

The higher climb is difficult terrain–scaling mountains you have only seen from afar in the past. Your enemy is nearer to your face when you are facing your mountain.

Speak to the mountain as you climb.

“Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.” Mark 11:23-24

With each new step, speak your accomplishment; speak your decisions. Do not look down to see how far you have come until you reach the top; for you will follow what you see.

Keep looking at Me!

The higher you climb, the clearer the view. You may understand when someone relates an experience to you, but, when you climb that mountain yourself–you know!

Delight in accomplishment; celebrate the victory, but do not become prideful or you will fall. When pride comes to call, look around you at all that you have yet to accomplish–look to Me–you’re still small.

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” I Corinthians 13:2-3

There is more to learn.

Always more.

But what I want you to know, as you’re struggling so, you’re not failing–you are continuing to grow. Fight the good fight of faith.

Use the tools you’ve been given.

You’re nearer than you think. Often it is only the top of the mountain that peaks out of the clouds. Climb until you reach the glory and don’t look back!

“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalms 50:14-15

“Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.” Titus 2:7-8

“For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.” Titus 2:11-14

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” II Corinthians 2:14

“Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.” Psalms 128:1-2

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalms 103:2-5

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:17-18

“May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!” Psalms 29:11

 

 

Step Lightly

Aug24

The path of light is sometimes rocky, but not so that you stumble.

It is in the light that you see clearly to make your way. There may be rocks, but you will see them, and know as in the day, what you’re dealing with–that you not slip.

“He who loves his brother abides in the light, and in it there is no cause for stumbling.” I John 2:10

I teach, but do not tempt.

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one; but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” James 1:13-14

Many think that I give them tests, but I do not try to trip you and I AM here for you always. But I would rather that you see the rock and learn how not to fall. For this is part of your call–to learn to walk steady and tall–weathering it all.

Therefore, I do not remove the stumbling stones and I give you full rein to roam–allowing you to make choices–I wait and see. If you call this a test, then so let it be. But still, I’d much prefer that you come, follow Me.

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” I John 1:5-7

For in My light you’ll see clearly the path along the way.

We’ll step lightly around the rocks that would hinder your day.

Pass the test–pass it on by.

You’ll never know, until you try!

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” I Peter 4:12-13

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! by his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Without having seen him you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:3-9

“I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. do not enter the path of the wicked and do not walk in the way of evil men.” Proverbs 4:11-14

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:14

 

The Fiery Trial

May28

Do not think it strange, the fiery trial, when it comes upon you; for I have delivered you before, and I will deliver you again. The tests and trials not only try your faith, but serve to prove your stance. If you were never to meet adversity, how then would you know where you stand?

  • Is your faith strong or weak?
  • Does your future look bleak, when trials appear?
  • Does depression cloud that once happy heart?

All of these and many more, are ‘questions’ of the heart. But remember this, you who struggle with life;  just as ‘suddenly’ this trial appeared, the end will be in sight.

For I know the beginning and the end

Of this you may be sure.

And I will surely watch out, for one whose heart, to Me remains so pure.

So if your life should throw you a curve, of a kind you did not expect

Bear this in mind–Be still and find, that it’s not you I would reject. But the one who puts you to the test, an enemy, that’s for sure. For he is jealous, and seeks to slay, the one who is so pure.

Therefore, stand tall, and do not give the devil any due. For he is the one I did reject–certainly it wasn’t you!

Fear not My dear one, and be not dismayed

for as you know, this too shall pass

your faith won’t be delayed!

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” I Peter 4:12-13

“Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Psalms 46:10-11

“But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were open, and every one’s fetters were unfastened.” Acts 16:25-26

“Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted of God”; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one.” James 1:12-13

“When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.–” Isaiah 43:2-3a

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8